The study, led by Ramon L. Jimenez of Monterey (Calif.) Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Institute, showed that patients of a lower socioeconomic background sue patients less often than patients from other income groups. This finding is contrary to the belief of some physicians that low income patients sue more often, a stereotype that could affect the treatment process.
According to the study, subconscious prejudices among physicians could mean physicians are reluctant to treat poor patients or could treat them differently from other groups. Another reason for the reluctance could be concerns about financial reimbursement.
The researchers hypothesized that one reason why low income patients are less likely to sue is because they have fewer resources to obtain a legal team.
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